President Prabowo Reaffirms Commitment to Law Enforcement, Corruption Eradication

President Prabowo holds a dialogue with Forbes Media Chairman and Editor-in-Chief Steve Forbes at the 2025 Forbes Global CEO Conference held at The St. Regis Hotel, Jakarta, on Wednesday (10/15). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

President Prabowo Subianto emphasized his strong commitment to fully enforcing the law and eliminating corruption within the Government.

President Prabowo made the statement during a dialogue with Forbes Media Chairman and Editor-in-Chief Steve Forbes at the 2025 Forbes Global CEO Conference held at The St. Regis Hotel, Jakarta, on Wednesday (10/15).

The forum was attended by global business leaders and investors from various countries, where President Prabowo openly shared his insights and personal experiences regarding the challenges of combating corruption in the country.

The President described corruption as a “dangerous disease” that, if left untreated, could destroy a nation. “In my view, corruption is a disease. When it reaches stage four, like cancer, it becomes very difficult to cure. History shows that corruption can destroy countries, societies, and regimes. So yes, I am committed to tackling corruption,” he said.

President Prabowo then shared a personal story from his early days as Minister of Defense. He said he had firmly instructed all his family members to refrain from getting involved in any projects within the ministry.

However, he admitted that business temptations still existed. He recalled how he rejected a project proposal from a family member, even when they tried to offer cooperation proposals. “One day, a nephew of mine came to me with a project. I told him, ‘You’ve never been involved in the defense sector, you don’t understand it. So, no, find another business,” the President said.

During the forum, the President also outlined his administration’s concrete steps to crack down on illegal practices in the natural resources sector. He exemplified the eradication of illegal tin mining in Bangka Belitung Islands province, saving billions of dollars’ worth of state assets.

“I conducted military training programs using warships, aircraft, helicopters, and drones. We blockaded the two islands, preventing ships from entering or leaving without detection. As a result, we managed to stop the smuggling and save around US$2 billion,” he said.

In addition to the mining sector, President Prabowo also highlighted law enforcement against illegal palm oil plantations. He pointed out that five million hectares of plantation land had violated the law, and the Government took decisive action by revoking the companies’ concessions.

“I say, I am sworn to uphold the law. So, I ordered the Attorney General and the Audit Board to investigate. No matter the findings, if there are cases, revoke their concessions. And that is what we did,” the President said.

The President also expressed confidence that consistent law enforcement would restore the state’s authority and public trust in the Government. He stated his determination to enforce the law indiscriminately and ensure that the Indonesian Government is respected by all parties.

“I am committed to enforcing the law, and I am determined that the Indonesian Government must be respected by everyone. The law is the law. Regulations are regulations. Those who violate the law must face the law. It is as simple as that,” the President concluded. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (FI/MUR)